Altar Flowers

Flowers are a gift to the glory of God. They speak to life and beauty.

St. Matthew’s has two built in flower stands behind the altar. It is only possible to have fresh flowers on Sunday with donations from parishioners, as our budget no longer reaches this far.

Anyone can request flowers for just about any reason, such as a Celebration of an anniversary or milestone, in memory of someone who has passed on, or in general thanks for the love of God.

If you would like to request flowers please contact Natalie Hempstead @ 905-579-1729 or Lynne Denniston @ 905-723-6494 for further details. The current cost with our florist is $40 for one vase and $80.00 for two, or speak to us about providing your own flowers.

There are envelopes in the Narthex for Altar Guild/Flowers. Alternatively, you can offer your flower donation by e-transferring the funds to office@stmatthewsoshawa.ca. Simply fill out the form with “Flowers” and the reason for your generous donation in the message field to ensure your treasured donation is correctly recorded.

A special thanks to Natalie Hempstead of the Altar Guild for coordinating and managing this ministry. The parish is truly grateful for your time, organization and patience.

Thank you for your generous donations in helping St. Matthew’s show more of the beauty of God in this world.

Weddings

If you have imagined a long aisle to walk down in a Holy and Special space on your wedding day, St. Matthew’s is the place for you. To tour the church or to inquire about weddings the church, please contact office@stmatthewsoshawa.ca or call 905-725-9841 to make an appointment.

Baptism & Confirmation

Baptism

If the meaning of baptism could be boiled down to one word, that word would be identification. Baptism speaks primarily of a personal, public identification with Jesus Christ. It is a sign of a ‘fresh start’ with God.

Infants & Children

We baptize children in the Anglican Church. Parents take on the baptismal promises on behalf of their child. The parents are promising to show their child what it means to be follower of Jesus Christ. The hopeful expectation is that at some point this same child will confirm and own for themselves the promises you are holding for them.

This may seem like a daunting task. We know because St. Matthews has all been there. It takes a village to raise a family, and we are eager to be part of your village. We will support, encourage and equip you on journey of faith as best we can.

The first step is to come to St. Matthew’s and see if this is a good church fit for you and your love ones. The next is to contact the office to begin a program of preparation.

Adult Baptism

Baptism is not only for children. Some people come to faith later in life. Regardless of age if you are figuring out your faith journey and are drawn towards the sacrament of baptism please do not hesitate to contact the office to begin your Faith Journey at  office@stmatthewsoshawa.ca.  Please put Baptism as the subject.  No one is ever too old to be Baptised.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a time to publicly state “yes’’ to God as a follower of Jesus Christ. If you or someone you know is baptized and are seeking to take hold of your baptismal vows by being Confirmed, please contact the office at office@stmatthewsoshawa.ca. Please put Confirmation as the subject.

Funerals

When a loved one dies it hurts. St. Matthews is here to help work through the fog and pain. We will help honour the deceased, support you in any way we can. God promised to be with us always, even beyond death.

Funeral homes in Oshawa and the surrounding area will work with you and your family during this difficult time. The funeral home will be in contact with us on your behalf to begin the funeral planning process.  Here is some information for your planning process. Please click on ‘Funeral Information’

Grieving does not always end with the funeral. The parish and clergy of St. Matthews are available to offer a safe comfortable ear for you.